The Chachnāma (Fatḥnāma-yi Sind) 31: War with the people of Siwistán.
The Chachnamah, an Ancient History of Sind 31
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Contents
War with the people of Siwistán.
31.1.1
Muhammad Kásim ordered the battering rams to be put in working order, and the fight then commenced. The Samaní party reprimanded Bachehrá and forbade him to fight, saying:—"This army is very strong and powerful; you cannot stand against them. We do not wish that, through your obstinacy, our life and property should be endangered." As he still rejected their counsel, the Samaní clique sent a message to Muhammad Kásim, telling him: "All the people, whether agriculturists, artisans, merchants or other common folk, have left Bachehrá's side and do not (now) acknowledge allegiance to him, and Bachehra has not sufficient men and materials of war, and can never stand against you in an open field, or in a struggle with you." On receiving this message, the army of Islám became over-zealous, and Muhammad Kásim ordered the assault to be continued steadily night and day. Thus, after about one week, the occupants of the fort ceased to fight. When Bachehrá found that the fort was in great straits and that it could not stand long, he determined to leave it. So when the world was hid behind the pitch-dark curtain of night, he issued from the northern gate, and crossing the river, fled away. He did not stop till he reached Budhiah. At that time, Kákah son of Kótak Samani was the ruler of Budhiah. He resided in his fort of Sisam, which was situated on the bank of the Kanbah.
31.1.2
The people of Budhiah and the headmen of the neighbouring places came forward to receive him, and he alighted at their request in front of the fort. When Bachehrá made an exit, and the Samani party placed their heads under the yoke of allegiance, Muhammad Kásim entered the fort of Siwistán. He appointed his own officers and agents to carry on the state affairs, and he left the suburban towns also in their charge. He collected silver and gold wherever he could find them, and also secured ornaments and cash from the people, excepting those of the Samani party with whom he had made a solemn compact. He then distributed among the army of Islám what was due to them out of the spoils, and taking one-fifth gave it to the treasurer of Hajjáj, and sent the booty and the slaves, with a report of his victory to Hajjáj, and himself remained there. After two or three days, when he was free from the work of distribution and had given away the army’s share as well as the Khalifah’s one-fifth, he proceeded to the fortified town of Sisam in pursuit of Bachehrá. The people of Budhiah and the ruler of Siwistán arrayed themselves in battle. Muhammad Kásim posted a party of men under his Siwistán agent in the outskirts, and himself with the remaining army alighted at a place called Budhan on the bank of the Kanbah. The suburban residents of the place were all káfirs. When they saw the army of Islám, they conspired to make a nocturnal attack on the enemy and put them into confusion.
31.1.3
The Budh headmen came to Kákah Kótak and other princes of Budhiah (whose origin was from Gang, commonly known as Dandohar) and held consultation with them. They said:—“We have all come to the resolve that we should make a night attack on this Arab army.” Kákah replied: “If you can do so, well and good, but seers and hermits have informed us from their books of astrology, that this country will be conquered by the army of Islam.” He then appointed a respectable man, named Bahsabbi, as their head, and ordered the Jats to form their column. One thousand brave men, experts in the use of the sword, were selected, all fully armed with swords and shields and javelins and halberds and daggers. When the Grecian (fair) army of the day fled away from fear of the Abyssinian (black) army of the night, this band of warriors started with intent to make a nocturnal assault upon the enemy. But when they were close to the Arab camp, they lost their way. The whole night from evening to morning, they wandered about in perplexity and confusion. They had divided themselves into four parties, but neither the advanced party met the one in rear, nor the right wing joined the left wing. All were turning round and round in the desert. Whenever they came out of the jungle they found themselves in the vicinity of the fort of Sísam.
31.1.4
When the collyrium-coloured cloth of the dark night was torn by the king of stars, with the uprising of day, they came back to their fort, and informed Kákah Kotak that they had failed in their undertaking. Kákah said: “You know very well that owing to bravery and prowess, and skill and wisdom, I have become the chief of all of you. I have performed many difficult tasks with ability and credit among you, but those skilled in the science of stars have now declared, after consulting the books of Budh, that Hindústan will be conquered by an army of Islám. I am determined to go forward, and receive it with due respect.”
31.1.5
So Kákah, with some chief men and his personal staff, set out for the Arab camp, and after he travelled a short way he was met by Banánah Khantalah whom Muhammad Kásim had sent with the advanced detachment of his army, and who took Kakah to Muhammad Kasim. Muhammad Kasim gave him a robe of honour, and showed much kindness to him when honouring him with an audience. Kakah then related to him how the nocturnal attack had been designed, and how he had excused himself from joining it. He also informed him how the great God had led his party astray so that they had been roaming about that whole night in darkness and humiliation. “Our astrologers and interpreters of dreams,” said he, “have found out by means of the astronomical science, and have openly given out that this whole country will fall into the hands of the army of Islám. When this miracle was witnessed by us, we became sure that it was (really) the will of God and that no other person will ever be able to oppose you, or to stand against you. You should be in every way easy at heart and cheerful as you are sure to be victorious. I have already submitted to you, and will be a counsellor of yours, and, to the best of my ability, your friend and guide, in overpowering and humiliating your enemies and ill-wishers.”
31.1.6
When Muhammad Kasim became aware of these facts, and heard Kakah’s speech, he praised the great and glorious God, and humbly bowed on the ground in acknowledgment of His kindness. He spared Kakah with his whole family and followers and he then asked Kakah: “O nobleman of Hind, what mark of distinction and honour is customary among you that I may bestow it on you.” Kakah said: “Our mark of distinction is a chair, and our dress of honour is an Indian cloth of silk which we tie on our head as a turban. That is the customary important part of the dress of our chiefs and of the headmen among the Samanis.” Accordingly this (last) was presented to him. When Kakah put on this dress of honour, all the noblemen in the surrounding places became favourably inclined to him. He secured, for those who submitted, immunity from injury by the Arab army. But against those who remained stubborn and disobedient, he led the Arabs in order to punish them. Muhammad Kasim appointed Abdul Malik son of Kais Dakiki his representative (Shahnah) to subjugate and punish those who were refractory, and Kákah pressed hard upon the rebels and captured many spoils, money, stuffs, animals, slaves and food-grain, so that plenty began to reign in the camp. Muhammad Kásim now left that place, and came to the fortified town of Sísam. He carried on fighting there for two days and then, at length, the great God gave him victory and the unbelievers were put to flight.
31.1.7
Bachehrá son of Chandar and cousin to Dáhar, and his Thákurs and chiefs who formed his retinue lost their dear life in trying to accomplish their sinful deeds. (Some of) the rest fled higher up to Budhiah while some went to the fortified town of Bhalrúr between Sálúj and Kandáil, and from there applied for pardon and mercy. Those who were against Dáhar, having lost some of their party in the late battle, immediately turned their faces from his allegiance, and engaged some messengers to bring about peace with the Arabs. They undertook to pay a tribute of 1,000 dirams of silver in weight, and sent hostages to Siwistán. When Muhammad Kásim fixed tributes on this part of the country, he passed an order to guarantee protection and safety anew to the people. He appointed Hamíd son of Widáa Najdí and Abdul Kais of the family of Hárúd (his representatives) and left the management of (local) affairs to their good sense and fidelity. When he finished his business at Sísam, Muhammad Kásim received despatches from Hajjáj, who wrote as follows: “Now give up other towns, and come back to Nérún and arrange to cross the Mehrán and march against Dáhar. Seek help from the great and glorious God that he may grant you victory and success. When you gain that victory all the other fortified towns, far and near, will naturally fall into your hands, and then there will be nothing to hinder you in your career of conquest.”
31.2.1
When Muhammad Kásim read this letter and learnt its purport, he returned to Nérún. After travelling many a stage, he halted by a fort, which was situated on the hills of Nerun. There was a pond in its vicinity whose water was brighter than the eyes of lovers, and whose meadow land was more pleasant than the garden of Iram. There Muhammad Kasim pitched his camp, and wrote the following letter to Hajjáj son of Yúsif:— “In the name of God, the most merciful and gracious. To the exalted court of the great Amir, the learned sage having no equal, the crown of religion, the shield of Ajam and Hind, Hajjáj son of Yúsif. This servant Muhammad Kasim, after paying proper compliments and respects, begs to state that this true friend of yours, with all the noblemen and retinue and attendants and the Mussalman armies and troops, is quite safe and sound. Our affairs are all managed very well and we are all feeling quite cheerful and happy. May it be known to Your Highness that after travelling through deserts, and by distant and dangerous stages, we arrived in the country of Sind, and we are (now) encamped on the bank of the Sehún, which is called the Mehran. The part of the country from Budhiah up to the place opposite the fortified town of Aghrúr on the Mehran has been conquered, but the castellated city of Alór is still in the possession of Rái Dáhar. Those who proved refractory and head-strong were brought under control, and the rest being frightened, have fled.
31.2.2
When the ever-to-be-obeyed order of Amir Hajjáj was received, directing us to return, we came back to the hilly fort of Nerún. This fortified town is nearer to the capital of the Khalifahs. We entertain strong hopes that by means of the assistance of God, the kindness of the king and the good luck of the Great Amir (Hajjáj) we shall conquer many more strong forts of the infidels, and take possession of their towns and treasures. Only recently the forts of Siwistán and Sísam have been taken, and Dáhar’s cousin, with several brave men and nobles, has been driven out. It is hoped that all the forts of the infidels will be conquered and taken possession of, and in lieu of the káfirs’ places of worship, mosques and (Mussalman) prayer-houses will be built, and pulpits for calling the faithful to prayer and preaching sermons constructed, in order that the obligatory services may be performed at stated times, and morning and evening the great and glorious God be remembered and praised, as is directed by the text of the Koran, viz.
31.2.3
:—‘Keep up prayers at the declension of the sun and towards nightfall and the prayer at day-break, &c.’ It is also hoped that idols and other signs of idolatry will be removed and clean swept off, with the help of God and the blessing of that verse of the Koran which says : ‘If God help you none will overpower you.’ Further the servants of the devils and their forces will be subdued and degraded and pushed away to Hell, and there subjected to severe tortures. For the present we have encamped in the vicinity of a fort, which surpasses the strong wall constructed by the Grecian Alexander. We depend for power and protection on God the great and the glorious. This letter is submitted to Your Highness (may your greatness last long!) in the hope that distinct orders and positive commands will be issued. We are anxiously awaiting them and are quite ready to obey whatever instructions are given under the guidance of God. Let it also be known to the generous prince, that there is one of the tributary rulers under Dáhar, who is the owner of the fortified town of Bet, to the east of the Mehran, on the bank of a rivulet in an island of the gulf of Khambhat and is called Basámi Rásal. All the chief officers and noblemen of Rái Dáhar, as well as most of the princes of Hind and Sind are under his influence, and have a strong and solemn compact with him and they implicitly follow his guidance.
31.2.4
From the party of Debal, that came over and joined us, we learnt that this prince, by the grace of God, has been advising and inducing every one of these great men and nobles to submit to us. They have (now) great confidence in us, and have sent us humble messages promising to be loyal to us. If the great and glorious God brings this measure to its consummation, and they faithfully render allegiance to us, the difficulty of crossing the river Mehran will be removed, and we can then very easily and successfully achieve our object under the guidance of the Great God.” To the above letter the following reply was received:— “In the name of God, the most merciful and gracious. I have received the letter of my dear son Karimuddin Muhammad Kasim (may God perpetuate his power and dignity) which was adorned with a variety of deferential and respectful language. I quite take in the state of affairs, as described in your letter. But why, my son, don’t you use your discretion and act according to your own reason and good sense? I earnestly wish you to overpower in battle all the princes of the East and bring destruction on the unbelievers. Why have you become dilatory and dispirited in doing this work? I know you are able to overcome their villainy, and I hope that their plots and evil designs will be frustrated. He (Dáhar) wishes to send away the army of Islam, but you should take heart. Spend as much money as you can. Give them large rewards and presents.
31.2.5
Do not disappoint those who want estates and lands, but comply with their requests. Encourage them by giving them written promises of protection and safety. You must know that there are four ways of acquiring a kingdom—1stly, courtesy, conciliation, gentleness, and alliances; 2ndly, expenditure of money, and generous gifts; 3rdly, adoption of the most reasonable and expedient measures at the time of disagreement or opposition; and 4thly, the use of overawing force, power, strength and majesty in checking and expelling the enemy. Try to grant every request made by the princes and please them by giving them solemn promises. When they submit and settle a tribute upon themselves, receive from them whatever they bring for the treasury, whether money in coins or any shining metal; and show them favour in every way. If you want to send an envoy to the enemy, first test his wisdom, faith, intelligence and honesty; and let not Islám suffer from his going or speaking. Protect yourself from and guard against the misfortunes (arising) from the stratagems and plots and arts of the enemy; and be very cautious and careful in the disposal of important affairs. Be careful, when Déhar sends a confidential envoy to you; be wary in mixing and associating with him, and give him sound counsel. When he presents himself before you to deliver his message, let him say what he has to say in the presence of your grandees and nobles, and in a meeting of your wise counsellors.
31.2.6
Let him not depart disrespectfully, and let him have plain answers to his questions. Let not his error or hypocrisy deceive you. Always encourage your messenger and envoy by giving him fair promises, and telling him that the whole army of Islam regards him as their leader or forerunner, and depends upon what he utters, and so he must deliver his message honestly and carefully. The messenger of the Musalmans should be a man of pure faith, who should speak fearlessly and faultlessly and invite and induce the infidels to accept the true creed, and belief in the unity of God. Whoever turns to the unity of God and submits to you, let him have back his property and wealth and estate; and whoever does not submit to Islam, treat him harshly and cause injury to him till he submits. Again, if any person, having once submitted to you, withdraws himself from your allegiance, you must make him understand that, as he has taken out his head from the yoke of submission he must be ready for an onslaught. Do not allow (the enemy) to cross the Mehran at their will. Tell them that if they would come over to your side of the river they would not be checked, and that you, having come from a very long distance, have the right to cross the river freely and without any hindrance and confront them in battle. Make such arrangements that there may be no doubt or misunderstanding, on this point, between the two parties.
31.2.7
Wherever you meet the enemy, in order to give them battle, let the battle-field be an open plain, so that foot-soldiers may move freely in it in fighting against foot-soldiers, and horsemen against horsemen. Above all, when you are engaged in fight put your trust in God’s kindness. Catch hold of that ring of the chain firmly and you need have no fear of a fall. Then wait patiently, and see what the Divine Providence and fate brings out from behind the curtain of mystery, and what orders the king passes (for your guidance). If they send a message to you asking whether you would cross the Mehrán or whether they should, give them no choice or authority. Tell them that you would cross the river—first, so that your enemy may be overawed, and they may know that if the army of Islám was not sufficiently strong and powerful it would not venture to meet them on their own ground. As for your own men, let not the Arab troops that are under you entertain any hope of returning, and let them not turn their face from battle. They should fight with the utmost zeal and depend entirely upon the kindness of God for the issue. They should be fond of battle and fight manfully and make a firm stand. They should be true and faithful in warring against the enemy and in co-operating with you. Then only the great and glorious God will be pleased with them. You should select a place for crossing the river, where it would be possible to put a strong and stable bridge, and make your passage.
31.2.8
After consultation (with your officers) and after taking tests, take every necessary precaution and care. After you cross the river, at once array your army in proper divisions—the right wing, the left wing, the centre, the van and the rear. Send your infantry ahead. Do not leave the armours of your animals to be carried by the main body. (But) God knows better (than man).” When this letter of Hajjáj was received, Muhammad Kásim determined to cross the river and took measures for the purpose.
31.3.1
Meanwhile Rái Dáhar questioned the scientific men of Hind and the astrologers and philosophers of Sind, saying: “I have just heard that Muhammad Kásim has come down as far as Nerún and has encamped in the outskirts of that fortified town, with a large army and is ready for battle. What do you find from your books of history and astrology and what information do you get from the position of stars with regard to the (present) time and the revolution of the year”? The astrologers, after praising him, said: “May the king live long! we have come to know from ancient books and histories of the past, and the system of astrology as founded by the philosopher Jamash that, in one of the months of the year 92, the fortified town of Nerun will fall into the hands of the army of Islam, and in 93, the whole of Hindustan, with all its forts that are superior in strength to the mighty wall built by Alexander, will be the property of the Mussalmans, and that victory is to be gained by Muhammad Kasim. That predicted time has drawn very near.” Then Rai Dahar asked Samani Budh, who was the ruler of the fortified town of Nerun, to go to Nerun and to inform him about the state of affairs there. Accordingly, the Samani came to Nerun, and accompanied by 5 chiefs went to Muhammad Kasim in the Arab camp. He took with him the letter of Hajjaj, and made Bananah son of Khantalah his intercessor.
31.3.2
When the message was duly delivered, Muhammad Kasim said: “I am ready to obey this written order, but I regret to say that when our army arrived here, the gates of the city were close against us. This has produced a very bad effect upon our minds. When you claimed to be our allies, it was not proper for you to close the gates of the city against us, and cause (thereby) great scarcity of corn in our camp.” Hearing this, the Samani gave excuses, and appealed to the general’s reason and good sense, saying: “The management of our affairs depends upon the will of Rai Dahar, and as I was not present here, the people were much confused, on your arrival here, and feared lest, on your return to the place, you might cause some harm to the residents of the city. But as soon as I came here, I duly discharged the duties of friendship and allegiance. I am much obliged to you, and am ready to do as you are pleased to direct.” Then Muhammad Kasim gave him a dress of honour, showed many favours to him, treated him very kindly, and sent him back. The Samani went back and opened the gates of the city and sent presents and offerings to Muhammad Kasim. Then the troops entered the city to make purchases and to carry on bargains. The next day when the king of stars appeared in the blue vault, Muhammad Kasim mounted a horse, and, accompanied by his chiefs and nobles, came to the gate of the city. He built a mosque in place of the idol-temple, and performed two genuflexions.
31.3.3
He appointed a man of the family of Zahal, from amongst the people of Basrah as his deputy in the city, and then left the place. He called the Samani to himself (in order to utilise his services), when crossing the river of Sind. Some of the chief men of Rasal Samani, and several headmen of the Bhattis came forward to do homage to Muhammad Kasim, and seek his pardon. He concluded a treaty with them on the terms stated in the letter of Hajjaj. Then he proceeded to the fortified town of Ishbha. It was in the month of Muharram 93 that he arrived in the vicinity of that town. The fortress was strong and impregnable, and its inmates were quite ready for a fight, and had made a deep moat round it. They had called the Cotanis and other country people living in the suburbs to the west, to come and take shelter in the fort. Muhammad Kasim commenced warfare by laying siege to the fort. The people held out for a week, during which time they were wavering what to do. But after that period, they were obliged to surrender and beg for mercy. Those who submitted fixed a tribute on themselves and opened the gate of the fort, and Muhammad Kasim, accompanied by his trustworthy staff, entered the fort and handed over the keys to some of his confidential and faithful officers, and appointed an honest man to administer the fort. He wrote a report to Hajjaj about his conquering that fort and giving pardon to, and sparing the lives of, the warlike tribe of Channas.
31.3.4
After staying for some time in that town, and leaving a representative there, he proceeded to the country of Raor, and alighted on the bank of the river Mehran on the western side, where he was joined by Jasen the ruler of Bet.